Table Rock Wilderness Loop

Activity Notes

A large loop through the bulk of the Table Rock Wilderness. This hike will be 17 miles with 5100' of gain, starting at the Image Creek Trailhead and looping through Table Rock, Chicken Rock, and Image Creek with an additional spur out to Pechuck Lookout.

Reports indicate a significant amount of overgrowth and blowdown, and we are likely to face difficult miles once we hike beyond the popular Table Rock Trail. Many reports also indicate that there are nests of biting ants. This is an adventure hike, and participants should be prepared for that the trail may be in poor condition or impassable. We may have to turn around if progress is slow or impossible.

For our efforts we should be rewarded with excellent views of the major volcanoes to the north, east, and south in a rarely visited portion of wilderness. Many of the peaks we will hike or pass by on trails are themselves dramatic remnants of andesitic/basaltic volcanic domes.

Applicants to this hike should have a profile that indicates a high level of fitness and experience with rugged hikes. Applicants would be prepared for this hike if they are able to maintain a 2.5-3 mph pace in simple, flat terrain and a 2-2.5 mph pace on steep trails (e.g. Dog Mountain, Nesmith Point) and complicated terrain. We will aim to complete this demanding hike in under 8 hours. If you are unsure if you are prepared, feel free to email me to ask.

We will carpool from the MMC at 6 AM for the long drive to the trailhead, arriving at 7:45 AM.

This is an exploratory hike, meaning the leader has not done this hike before.

References:

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Table_Rock-Image_Creek_Loop_Hike

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Pechuck_lookout_hike

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Image_Creek_Trailhead